Broadway

We opened a new film yesterday that many people have been asking about – AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER. In addition to this powerful new film, we’re holding LANDLINE and THE BIG SICK (this winner just keeps going and going) for one more week. (Details about a special screening of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL followed by a panel discussion can be found at the end of this newsletter.) Next week, we plan to open MAUDIE.

Synopsis for AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL – TRUTH TO POWER: “Former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world to train an army of activists and influence international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes — in moments both private and public, funny and poignant — as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion.” (Paramount Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Due to local demand, THE NEON is excited to explore bringing a bit of Broadway to our screens. Buy your tickets now, and let’s see if we can make this one-night-only screening of FALSETTOS a success! “Nominated for five 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, Falsettos is a hilarious and poignant look at a modern family revolving around the life of a gay man Marvin, his wife, his lover, his soon-to-be-bar-mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and the lesbians next door. Originally created under the specter of the AIDS crisis, this timely musical about middle-class family dynamics manages to remain buoyant and satirically perceptive even as it moves towards its heartbreaking conclusion. Lincoln Center Theater’s production stars Christian Borle, Stephanie J. Block, Andrew Rannells, and Brandon Uranowitz, all of whom received Tony nominations for their respective performances.” FALSETTOS will screen Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30. Tickets are $12 each and are currently available on-line via this LINK. They are also available at THE NEON’s box office.

Dayton Writers Movement is gearing up for the premiere of UNWRITTEN – SEASON 2 on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5:30. “UNWRITTEN is a serialized audio drama podcas – think radio play – written, acted and produced locally here in Dayton. The first season, which was up for several AudioVerse Podcast Awards, has reached 54+ countries and more than 1,600 cities with its dramatic storytelling and comedic timing. In Season 2, the podcast series continues the journey with a group of friends as they deal with the events of season 1 and wrangle mature social issues, uncover a mystery, and tackle their inner demons. The group will be premiering the first episode of Season 2 with a live talk back afterward. Advanced tickets are available for $6 each by clicking this Official Link. One Time Only Public Showing! (Explicit, mature content) For more information about the podcast, visit unwrittenpodcast.com” Tickets not sold on-line, if available, will be available at our box office starting 1 hour before the event.

This year’s Dayton LGBT Film Fest is shaping up, and we’re almost ready to start rolling out details. Mark your calendars for Oct. 13-15, it’s going to be a great weekend-long fest! And speaking of film festivals, The Toronto International Film Festival has begun releasing titles from this year’s line-up…I’m getting pretty excited about several of them!

Some local organizations are very excited about our engagement of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL and the opportunity to continue local discussions about our climate with you. After Tuesday August 15’s 7:30 screening, representatives from Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club Miami Group, The Climate Mobilization, and Move To Amend will hold a panel discussion. In addition, there will be other opportunities to engage with members from these organizations at various locations at different times around town. We’ll have flyers in our lobby this weekend that outline all the opportunities, and you can also find the flyer on our Facebook page by following this LINK.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

When Broadway’s version of Disney’s The Lion King comes roaring into town this month, ticket holders’ royal treatment will extend beyond the theater.

Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Victoria Theatre Association teamed up to provide roaring deals and promotions for the show’s patrons. For a full list of venues with special deals, be sure to check out the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website, but here are the highlights:

Some restaurants and bars downtown will be serving specialty themed drinks. Feeling parched? Pounce into The Dublin Pub and try its “The Pride of the Pub” drink or swing by De’Lish Café to sample a Mufasa Mojito. If roaming the jungle has your stomach growling, Coco’s Bistro, Citilites and the Dayton Racquet Club will all have themed meal specials.

Looking more meal deals? Numerous restaurants around town — including Boulevard Haus, Blind Bob’s, Thai 9 and The Wine Gallery — will be offering a discounted menu to patrons with Lion King tickets.

For those who seek lodgings fit for a king, look no further than Inn Port Bed & Breakfast Suites, where ticket holders can stay in the King Suite for 20 percent off of its regular price. The Crowne Plaza Hotel also will have discounted room rates.

The royal treatment doesn’t stop there. Bonito and Cannery Art and Design Center both will be offering a 20 percent discount to those who present a Lion King ticket stub. At Omega Music, patrons will receive a 10 percent discount off new CDs and a 15 percent discount off of used music. Additionally, ticket holders will receive $2 off of a ticket to the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s 20th anniversary celebration.

The last few weeks, I’ve been recovering from surgery, a process that has been unfortunately long, stressful, and exhausting. But in the midst of that, I had the opportunity to see the national tour of Spring Awakening at the Victoria Theatre last week, and for those two and a half hours, I forgot my pain and exhaustion as I watched and enjoyed an amazing piece of art. The experience reminded me of the incredible power of theatre, and how moving and cathartic seeing a show can be.

We all have plenty of stresses in our lives, and theatre can be a great way to cast those aside for a few hours as we lose ourselves in a show, many of which will still teach us something about life and ourselves in the process. Whether you want to do that by laughing (Anything Goes) or crying (Wit), there’s a show for you in Dayton these next two weeks. And, performing in a show can be just as cathartic, so be sure to check out the auditions below, too.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

W;t

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: English professor Dr. Vivian Bearing has just been diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer; words and her wit are her only defense, since the hospital gown and Boston Red Sox cap cannot protect her from a body that has turned into an enemy and a cure that may be worse than the disease. Ultimately, “we uncover a new appreciation for the simple, the maudlin, and the kind, and see the triumph of the human spirit.”

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Story: When Piggsylvania’s highest court puts him on trial, things don’t look so good for Alexander T. Wolf — everyone from judge Prudence Pig to the court reporter is rooting into the truth about his so-called terrible deeds! In this fresh musical adaptation of the familiar story, audience members (ages 4+) decide the way the story ends.

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Anything Goes

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

Anything Goes (Photo Credit WSU)

The Story: In this musical set aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London, Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is unfortunately engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh; former Evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney falls in love with Lord Evelyn; gangster Moonface Martin attempts to escape the law, and Hope’s mother only desires to maintain her social standing.

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

I Hate Hamlet

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Auditions: Nov 15 & 16, 2010, 7:00 pm

Performances: January 21-23 & 28-29, 2011.

Directed by Ray Gambrel

The Story: In this dramatic comedy, television actor Andrew Rally is struggling in his professional and private lives, attempting to play the role of Hamlet (which he hates) and deal with his girlfriend’s unrelenting chasteness. The dilemma deepens when the ghost of John Barrymore appears to try to convince Andrew to persevere in the role… while an old deal-making friend suddenly offers Andrew the chance at a new television deal.

The Octette Bridge Club

The Spitfire Grill at BCT (Sept 2010)

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

Auditions: November 15 & 16, 2010, 7:00 pm

Performances: January 28 – February 6, 2011

Directed by Jim Lockwood

The Story: Eight sisters in a small Rhode Island town meet twice a month to play bridge and gossip; the ten year span of the show, exploring the eras of WWI and WWII, shows the changes in the sisters, their relationships, and the world.

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

An Evening with Sutton Foster

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: Broadway sensation Sutton Foster, known for originating roles in four shows, performs selections from her debut solo album, “Wish,” in a night of laughter and music. Music Director Michael Rafter accompanies Sutton on the piano in this evening filled with some of Broadway’s best.

Broadway Rocks

DAYTON PHILHARMONIC

The Basics: In this dynamic review, four top-notch Broadway vocalists join the Dayton Philharmonic in an evening of musical theatre classics from shows such as Wicked, Rent, Tommy, Phantom of the Opera, The Wiz, Mamma Mia, and more, backed by a full orchestra and chorus.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features? Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at [email protected]

~KN

Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally based Encore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along withZoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

In the hearts of many musical theater enthusiasts, Sutton Foster is in a class all her own. A genuine triple threat with a radiant personality and a terrific belting voice, Foster, 35, continues to be one of the most sought after and admired actresses working on the Great White Way. Her star-making, Tony Award-winning performance in 2002’s Thoroughly Modern Millie cemented her leading lady status within the New York theater scene, and she further displayed her charm and versatility in Little Women (2005, Tony nomination), The Drowsy Chaperone (2006, Tony nomination), Young Frankenstein (2007) and Shrek the Musical (2008, Tony nomination). Last spring, she particularly wowed theatergoers with her strikingly nuanced portrayal of Fay Apple in the excellently conceived concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim’s Anyone Can Whistle at New York’s City Center, which, in my book, is in the running as one of the best NYC productions of 2010.

Having ended her first foray off-Broadway in Paul Weitz’s dark comedy Trust opposite Zach Braff (Scrubs), the Statesboro, Georgia native and sister of Tony nominee Hunter Foster (Urinetown) is on tour in support of her beguiling 2008 debut CD optimistically entitled Wish (Ghostlight Records). The CD is an infectiously intimate collection ranging from Duke Ellington tributes (“I’m Beginning to See The Light,” “I Like the Sunrise”) and bygone chestnuts (“Warm All Over,” “My Romance,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Come the Wild, Wild Weather”) to pop numbers (“Up on the Roof,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders”) and little known gems (“Danglin’,” “My Heart Was Set on You,” “Flight”).

On Saturday, November 13 at Springfield’s Kuss Auditorium, Foster will sing selections from Wish in addition to songs she introduced on Broadway. She will be accompanied by her musical director Michael Rafter (Swing!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Everyday Rapture), and expect a few surprises along the way.

In advance of her concert, presented by the Springfield Arts Council, Foster discussed her craft and career.

onStageDayton: What does musical theater mean to you?

Sutton Foster: It’s everything to me. It’s my true passion…and honestly has changed my life. I’ve had moments in the theater, both as an audience member and on stage, where I have been transported. It’s powerful. To express yourself with song is very powerful.

OSD: What are some of your favorite musicals?

SF: Sweeney Todd is my all-time favorite. I also love Spring Awakening, The Light in the Piazza, West Side Story.

OSD: Do you have any musical theater influences?

SF: Patti LuPone has been a huge influence in my life. I used to listen to her sing over and over again in my room and try and sing like her.

OSD: How did it feel to win the Tony for Thoroughly Modern Millie? What did that win signify?

SF: It was a dream come true. I still to this day can’t believe that happened and that I now have a Tony in my apartment. I used to practice my Tony Award speech in my bedroom when I was a kid…I guess (winning) signified that I had made it in some way, but I think, more importantly, it signified to my family, especially my extended family, that maybe I could make a career out of doing this.

OSD: What are some of the most eye-opening experiences you’ve had thus far in your career?

SF: I think, how hard it is…the sacrifices you have to make to do eight shows a week. How ‘unglamorous’ it can be at times…how it can be difficult to deal with being criticized publicly. But it’s also a beautifully small, supportive community, and I have made friends and relationships that I’ll have for a lifetime.

OSD: Are you excited to play the iconic Reno Sweeney in the Broadway revival of Anything Goes this spring? Do you have an idea as to how you plan to portray the role?

SF: We don’t start rehearsals until January so I’m still very much in the early stages. But I’m thrilled and honored to take on this challenge.

OSD: Are there any dream roles you’d like to perform in the future?

SF: One of my favorite shows is Me and My Girl. I’d love to play Sally in that…or The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods.

OSD: Can you share a little about the genesis of your Wish CD? What do the songs represent as a whole? Did you always intend to create an eclectic song list rather than a CD devoted to show tunes?

SF: I think when my music director Michael Rafter and I started looking at songs we chose material that spoke to us personally, and that is why the list is a bit eclectic. We really wanted our ‘first album’ to be true to us and where we were when we recorded it. We started working together on Millie back in 2001, and started working toward an album back in 2004, so this has been years in the making. And I think it’s my proudest achievement thus far.

OSD: Are there any tunes from Wish that hold a special meaning or are personal favorites?

SF: “Sunshine on My Shoulders.” I’m a huge John Denver fan, and I knew I wanted to include one of his songs on the album. And Michael wrote the arrangement for the song and it was just perfect. I also love the duet “Flight” that I sing with Megan McGinnis.

OSD: What are your thoughts on the current state of musical theater? Are new voices being heard?

SF: Well, I think they have been. Tom Kitt – Next to Normal – Lin Manuel Miranda – In the Heights…new shows like Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. I think the envelope is being pushed now more than ever.

OSD: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring musical theater performers?

SF: Don’t be an asshole. Respect your teachers, your peers…and take opportunities…you always have more to learn.

Cost: Adults $30-$50; Students (age 22 and under) $20-$40. Tickets can be purchased by calling (937) 328-3874 or visiting online at www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org. Group discounts available by calling (937) 324-2712.